( dpa ) - Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on Wednesday announced he had "regrettably" dissolved Italy's parliament paving the way for a snap election without first reforming the country's electoral law.
"Regrettably I have to take a decision which will bring voters back to the polls" without Parliament first approving electoral law reform, Napolitano said in a televised statement.
The cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Romano Prodi was scheduled to meet later Wednesday to discuss a date for the elections which under Italy's constitution must be held within 70 days of Parliament being dissolved.
April 6-7 or 13-14 as seen as likely dates for fresh polls.